THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

June 29, 2021

Angelique Kerber

Press Conference

A. KERBER/N. Stojanovic

6-4, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. It was the first time you were playing Nina, I'm wondering, she had a good start, up 3-Love. What do you think made the difference? What did you make of her game?

ANGELIQUE KERBER: I think, yeah, I didn't know what to expect, actually. I just know few things, but she start really well, especially the first few games.

She's really playing really hard and fast, especially the first and second serve. I was trying to staying in the match, focusing on my chances. And, yeah, and also the last few games, especially last few points, I was a little bit, like, you know, a little bit nervous.

But she plays well, so she was going for it. I just tried to, yeah, take the match in my hand and, you know, going forward.

And, yeah, I think it was a solid first round and first match. Yeah, it's great to being through.

Q. Regarding your title last week and your performance today, I'm curious, the way you feel emotionally now, you seem to really be in a positive mindset. When was the last time you felt this good about your game and about yourself on the tennis court?

ANGELIQUE KERBER: You know, I'm feeling really good. Especially of course with the win on my belt last week coming here to Wimbledon, that gives me for sure a lot of confidence. And also playing on grass again, which I love to play. It fits my game.

But, you know, I think the last few months I was practicing really (indiscernible), and the last few matches or like the last matches on clay, I mean, I'm not really confident on clay, so I'm happy that the clay court season is over. Now I was just trying, you know, to stay positive, thinking about the next few weeks, playing on grass, and going forward.

I think now, always when you're working hard, one day it pays off. So, yeah, I was feeling it last week. Now I just try to continue this and looking forward to playing every single match, match by match, and playing better and better I will try.

Q. Did it feel like it had been that long since you won a title? Or it didn't feel that way?

ANGELIQUE KERBER: You know, I think it's so special to playing again in front of the fans. You know, playing on these amazing courts with the crowd, for what we are doing this, especially after the last months which really tough for all of us.

So I think for these emotions, for these feelings to being on Court 1, Centre Court, whatever, with the crowd, that's the motivation which I had the last few months. You know, for this we are doing that. It feels like it was yesterday, so I always feeling great here. It's a magic place.

Yeah, I'm really happy that I won my first round.

Q. Obviously you're 33 years old. Now in tennis we are seeing so many players well into their 30s and late 30s playing. Do you find inspiration from the likes of Venus and Serena playing this long? Did you imagine you would be playing this long?

ANGELIQUE KERBER: You know, I never told myself how long I want to play or, like, a deadline. I always said to myself if I feel one day it's over, I have to finish, I will do this. I just follow my heart and follow the passion I have for the sport.

So of course, I mean, you see a lot of players, they are getting older and they are still playing. I think the tennis change also in the last few months. For me, it's more like I enjoy to play, and I think especially the last few weeks I really love to play, compete. You know, when the time will come, I will know that for sure.

Right now I'm here again in Wimbledon, and I will just try to do my best these next days and these two weeks.

Q. In what ways does your final victory over Serena on this court, Centre Court of Wimbledon, stay in your mind? When does it pop into your mind and in your visions?

ANGELIQUE KERBER: You know, I think this match will be always the most special one in my career, because of course playing against Serena, I played her twice in the finals. The first one I lost, and then I get the chance to play another final against her which I won.

You know, always when I'm coming back, I have the pictures in my mind, the memories. And always when somebody is asking me which one was like, you know, your special moment or this one which you will always remember, it's for sure, yeah, the final on the Centre Court here against Serena.

So it will never go away in my mind.

Q. To what degree do you think about it when you're out on the court for another match, even in an early round or maybe when you're just walking into the grounds here at Wimbledon?

ANGELIQUE KERBER: You know, of course you have this in your mind. But this year we are starting from zero again. There are new opponents, new matches. You know, it's just like a memory right now, because I try to stay here in the moment, and I have to play every single round again.

I'm not really looking back when I start the tournament how I played, like, few years ago. It's just more the feeling that I won the tournament, I played amazing matches here, and now it's like a new tournament with new opponents and you have to be ready for every single round.